What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

Home » Treatment Therapies » Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is an approach to family therapy that focuses on parents’ relationships with their children. PCIT focuses on parenting skills and mental health concerns within a child. Children might need therapy due to behavioral problems, but parents or caregivers must keep up therapeutic work in the home for these problems to get better.

PCIT teaches parents the basics of Play Therapy, which uses games and activities to facilitate growth in children. Counselors teach parents to use play as a positive reinforcer of good behavior. This positive reinforcement increases the likelihood that the good or desired behavior will increase.

PCIT can be helpful for children diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, anxiety disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other behavioral issues.

Find a PCIT Therapist Near You

Camille Mercado, LPC

Clifton

New Jersey

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Emily Cuadra, LPC

Chickasha

Oklahoma

Emily graduated with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2020. Before graduating and beginning her candidacy, she worked as a Behavioral Health Case Manager at local schools. Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Byte and Associates, LLC in Chickasha, Oklahoma and also sees clients via telehealth on BetterHelp or Doxy.Me.
Stephanie L. Sullivan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey. Clients can be seen at Sullivan Counseling Services either in-person at our office in Howell, NJ or via Telehealth services. Stephanie is certified in both Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and trained in play therapy.
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Paula Corano

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Christina M. Warner-Metzger

Chicago

Illinois

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Havah Henzler

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Alexandra Trusty

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